The first day of the new year was a very cold one to start 2018 with. Sunny, really brisk temps continued as temps struggled to reach the low 20s for high temperatures. With the cold we are keeping our 0.5″ snowpack in most locations. The Monday minimum temperature from the VP2 (8.7°) was recorded at 0613 while the maximum temperature (21.6°) was recorded at 1426. Dew point temperatures ranged from 8° at 0948 down to -1° at 2226. Relative humidity values rose a bit from yesterday’s values (81% – 48%). Barometric values rose once again, from a morning min of 30.45″ at 0107 up to 30.58″ much later at 2301.

Remember now you can get the VP2 data on Weatherlink. You can access the data through http://www.weatherlink.com/user/walrusman444.

I am posting daily to weather underground. My ID is KMDROCKV200 and my station is called “Gardens of Traville.” Data is online, normally just about in real-time. I contribute daily to cocorahs as Rockville 2.8 WNW, Station ID MD-MG-115. Please take note that Weather Underground does not report snow data, and reflects what is recorded automatically through the tipping bucket VP2 gauge.

I never really went to bed, and started watching all the great college football New Years Day Bowl action. I got my crockpot returned all cleaned up, and returned the walker I temporarily was using. I spoke with Ray a few times briefly when I had the chance to talk, and also with Marty and Robin on face time along with Gideon. I had a variety of comfort food during the day, in a sort of tradition for this holiday. I had 2 broiled crabcakes and butternut squash risotto for a somewhat formalized dinner. 

We have sunny skies now and cold with temps in the low teens. Tuesday should be sunny with high temps in the mid 20s, lows in the low teens, then Wednesday cloudy with highs in the low 30s and lows around 20°. The storm that may run up the East Coast midweek really looks like it will track way out in the ocean and give us minimal effects unfortunately. Thursday another arctic outbreak follows the storm, with highs in the mid 20s under partly cloudy, windy skies, lows down around 5°. Friday should be even colder, with highs in the upper teens, lows heading down around 0° under partly cloudy, windy conditions with dangerous wind chill temperatures. On Saturday the peak of the cold air will be over us with lessening winds, highs in the mid teens and lows around 5° under mostly sunny skies.

On the Channel 4 weather website at 0854 radar is showing a clear screen through the Eastern US north of Florida. Florida is still getting a bit of rain along an old stalled frontal boundary.

As of 0854, the data from the VP2 (coming from the ground radiation shield about 4 feet off the ground just under and out from the balcony) and the Lakewood WXBug station are as follows :

Station Relative Location Temp RH DP    BP    Wind   High/Low temp Monday
VP2            Ground         12.1  62  1   30.64R  NA       21.6/8.7

There was no accumulation of snow in the cocorahs gauge on Monday. The VP2 tipping bucket rain gauge under my balcony recorded no precipitation on Monday through midnight, as snow has not been able to melt at all due to the cold, below freezing temps.

December precipitation totalled out at 0.85″, one of the driest Decembers of recent years.
January precipitation is 0.00″.

December snowfall was 3.8″. The seasonal snowfall total is 3.8″.
January snowfall is 0.0″.

Year-to-date precipitation total is final at 39.36″

WX Bug Lakewood 4500 ft, 12 60 1 30.53S WSW 4 G WSW 9
                           140° from station                       21/3

The Lakewood rain gauge showed no precipitation on Monday, and no snow melted through. It is not reporting on 2018 precipitation as yet, still reporting 1.30″ for December and 40.64″ for 2017. It does not report any snow data, unfortunately.

Temp from the VP2 at 2400 was 12.1 RH 59 % BP 30.58R DP 0.5. Clear, cold and dry.

Good morning from the clear, cold, and still somewhat snowy Walrus early on this Tuesday morning. Most of my 0.5″ snow accumulation from early Saturday is still around, though the sidewalks and roadways are mostly cleared off courtesy of Saturday’s and Sunday’s afternoon sun. Once again, Happy New Year everyone!